The Apple TV+ series ‘Chief of War’ tells a gripping story set in the late 18th century Hawaii Islands, focusing on Ka’iana, a Maui war chief, who is drawn from his peaceful family life to fight for King Kahekili. The king believes he can fulfill an ancient prophecy by uniting the four kingdoms of O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i, and Hawai’i into a single harmonious realm. However, Ka’iana’s travels and exposure to new warfare techniques place him in conflict with Kahekili’s violent ambitions.
As the show draws from actual Hawaiian history, it places strong emphasis on a faithful representation of the era, with special attention to cultural and linguistic authenticity. Central characters, including Jason Momoa’s Ka’iana, speak in their native tongue throughout much of the series, reinforcing the story’s historical grounding.
Use of the ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Language Strengthens Historical Realism
‘Chief of War’ recreates the atmosphere of late 1700s Hawai’i with great care, reflecting the cultural and historical context of the islands’ unification. The production incorporates period-correct elements such as historically inspired village sets and traditional clothing like the Malo, worn by the male characters. The writing also respects historical accuracy, with large portions of the first two episodes performed entirely in the Hawaiian language, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i.
The main characters, including Ka’iana, his family members Kupuohi, Namake, and Nahi’, as well as rivals like King Kahekili and Prince Kupule, are all deeply connected to their indigenous roots and fluent in their native language. This was a deliberate choice by creators Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, who worked closely with experts from Awaiaulu, an organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Hawaiian language, to ensure the show’s linguistic and cultural fidelity.
Jason Momoa and Cast Embrace ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i On Set
During filming, Jason Momoa and the other actors spoke ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i to maintain authenticity. Hawaiian cultural advisors and language supervisors were present on set to oversee the correct use and pronunciation of the language, honoring its significance as a critically endangered native tongue. Actor Kaina Makua, portraying Kamehameha, consciously spoke only in Hawaiian while on set, fostering an immersive and natural linguistic environment for the cast and crew.
Momoa expressed a deep sense of responsibility towards portraying this historical and cultural narrative faithfully. In an interview with Radio Times, he emphasized the importance of honoring his heritage through this role:
If we don’t get this right, we don’t get to come home. If we don’t do this for our people – take that weight, that responsibility…it’s not just another job, you know? I’m not coming home, people [would be] ashamed.
This commitment extended beyond language to include embodying the character’s historical significance and emotional depth.
Preserving Hawaiian Culture Through Storytelling
By featuring ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i so prominently, ‘Chief of War’ contributes to raising awareness about the Hawaiian language and culture. The series not only entertains but also educates its audience, shedding light on a critical period in Hawaiian history with respect and care. This approach helps revitalize interest in indigenous languages, offering a platform for their survival and growth.
As Jason Momoa and the creative team continue to champion authenticity in this project, the show has the potential to inspire greater appreciation for Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage among both native communities and global viewers. Future seasons are expected to maintain this high standard of cultural respect, further contributing to the preservation of Hawaii’s indigenous identity.
